Posts Tagged ‘Comfort’

Mark and Shirley Swenson, owners of Sonshine Books here in Orange County just recently had to close the doors on their beloved store for the last time. Location and the economy just weighed too heavy on this Icon in our area. Denny and I shared a meal with them here in our home about the same time and heard their story. This was such a dream of Mark and Shirley’s for so long and to see it come to an end was devastating. In the midst of it all “one book” rose to the top amongst the thousands that had passed through their hands while managing Sonshine for over 25 years. As a thank you they sent it to us. It is entitled “Jesus Calling”. It is short and I mean short daily devotionals that are from the Creators perspective. It’s Jesus speaking to you. They are kind and yet sharp. They comfort and then can cut through your heart… so quickly I might add, seeing as they are such small paragraphes. I put it on the shelf for a few months and then picked it up one day this month and is now a daily routine. It NOT consequently always seems to relate to what I am dealing with that day. Often after Denny or I have preached a sermon or given a message people will ask us were you spying on me this week. Ummm… no, but God was, is our usual response.

Do not expect to be treated fairly in this life. People will say and do hurtful things to you, things that you don’t deserve. When someone mistreats you, try to view it as an opportunity to grow in grace. See how quickly you can forgive the one who has wounded you. Don’t be concerned about setting the record straight. Instead of obsessing about other people’s opinions of you, keep your focus on Me. Ultimately, it is My view of you that counts.

As you concentrate on relating to Me, remember that I have clothed you in my righteousness and holiness. I see you attired in these radiant garments, which I bought for you with My blood. This also is not fair; it is pure gift. When others treat you unfairly, remember that my ways with you are much better than fair. My ways are Peace and Love, which I have poured out into your heart by My Spirit.